In Making our Future, Emily Hilliard, the state’s former folklorist, writes about everything from the cultural significance of the West Virginia hot dog, the tradition of independent pro wrestling in Appalachia, the practice of nonprofessional women songwriters, the collective counter narrative of a multiracial coal camp community, the invisible landscape of writer Breece D'J Pancake's hometown, the foodways of Helvetia, and the post apocalyptic vision presented in the video game Fallout 76, and more. The book argues that folklore is a unifying concept that puts diverse cultural forms in conversation, as well as a framework that helps us reckon with the past, understand the present, and collectively shape the future. This book makes for thoughtful discussion! 

In-Person Event—Begins at 6 p.m. with refreshments and snacks.

Virtual Event—We will email you a link to join the discussion virtually on Zoom. Live streaming begins at 6:30.

Tickets: https://304tix.com/events/making-our-futurea-wv-living-book-club-discussion-event-9-18-2025